Queens of the Caribbean Head to Brazil for Training Base in Preparation for VNL

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, May 6.- The two-time Pan American and NORCECA champions, the Dominican Republic Women’s Volleyball Team (The Queens of the Caribbean), qualified for the Paris Olympics for the fourth time, departed this weekend for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they will hold a training base in preparation for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) starting on May 14th.

Head coach, Marcos Kwiet, stated that these days of training leading up to the Nations League will be crucial for the matches ahead.

"Brayelin Martínez, Gaila González, Jineirys Martinez, Alondra Tapia, Eve Mejía, Yonkaira Peña, Vielka Peralta, Florangel, among others, who were reinforcing in different professional leagues, have already joined the practices. They are all in good health conditions, and that is key,” Marcos said.

He mentioned that star players Brenda Castillo and Bethania de la Cruz, who are still reinforcing in Italy and the United States, are yet to join.

The Dominican Republic will debut on May 14th against Serbia in the start of the 2024 Nations League, in the first week of the competition from May 14th to 19th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  

The Queens of the Caribbean defeated Serbia the last time they clashed in the Pre-Olympic Tournament last year in September in China.

On May 16th, the Dominicans will face Canada. May 17th will be a rest day, and they will return on the 18th when they play against Korea.

The Dominican Republic will compete in the second week in Macau from May 28th to June 2nd, and then head to Hong Kong for the final leg from June 11th to June 16th.